@AutoMechanic has spoken positively of the NAPA SilentGuard brake pads. I've noticed two or three sets he has shown pictures over the past year. Maybe he can post an update here when he gets a chance.
What brakes do you guys use?
- Thread starter MattLawz
- Start date
Napa or Autozone pads/rotors.
For the reason stated above….easy to get, fix, and make a buck or too.
Most cars out there need nothing fancy.
Seeing you are from MI, they are more likely to get beat up by potholes (both) or rust (rotors)
For the reason stated above….easy to get, fix, and make a buck or too.
Most cars out there need nothing fancy.
Seeing you are from MI, they are more likely to get beat up by potholes (both) or rust (rotors)
BrendanC
$100 site donor 2024
AAP Carquest Platinum Ceramics. very low dust, zero noise and enough stopping power to kick ABS in if not careful. lifetime warranted through AAP so when the first set wears out the second is in the house.
For the front, only genuine Toyota/Akebono/Advics. Tried many other brands, none compare. For the rear, any decent brand name that's on clearance.
I appreciate your perspective from the trenches. Would going OEM not also be an option? It depends upon his client$, but good products typically, nothing extra/fancy, yet solid performers for most people especially rotors (most of the time). Downside would be less profit perhaps.
I am far from a pro but have a little experience with Silentguard pads, across several makes and models.
I recently replaced brakes on a Ford truck and a few other cars with NAPA Premium rotors and Silentguard pads. Fitment was perfect and they have been smooth and quiet, with pretty good stopping power. IMO they fit/perform much better than the Raybestos Element 3 pads/rotors I currently have on my personal vehicles.
Last edited:
I thought I was alone in my experience with the Element 3 pads. They were pretty highly recommended, even around here, so I went with them on my Elantra last year. I didn’t even go 5k miles on them before I replaced them. I have PowerStop on them now and they’re a huge improvement.
Textar makes the pads for our Lex GS350 F Sport. Unfortunately this car has horrible squeal. Lex offered a different pad, which I ended up using.
AutoMechanic
Site Donor 2025
Yes. I have had extremely good luck with the Napa SilentGuard pads. Just installed a set of them on my mom’s car two weeks ago and so far spectacular. Fitment is great. Comes with all the hardware too not just the clips which is a plus. Some OEM pads don’t come with hardware or clips which is not a good thing. These are the only pads I buy now if available. No noise complaints either.
OEM would be an option for sure - good point. You can also get accounts with dealerships as well and save money. I don't remember exactly but I think the average discount I get from my local dealers is but i do get a good amount off - usually will match an online price.
What type of noises are those of you experiencing with the element 3 pads?
I have them on my Elantra and they have been good, but now I have an odd quirky noise in the front, and I'm wondering if it's the E3 pads.
I have them on my Elantra and they have been good, but now I have an odd quirky noise in the front, and I'm wondering if it's the E3 pads.
When we had a 2012 T&C, I switched to Duralast Cmax pads and Gold rotors. The brakes on the 2012 were undersized unless you had the upgrade brakes. That thing destroyed the OE brakes. The Duralast combo worked great and lasted much longer.
Now our 2017 Pacifica has MUCH better brakes than the 2012 T&C ever had. Not sure if they improved the situation by 2016 though.
Now our 2017 Pacifica has MUCH better brakes than the 2012 T&C ever had. Not sure if they improved the situation by 2016 though.
I don't do brakes, it's just something I hate unreasonably. I use whatever my trusted mechanic puts on. The last time it was O'Reilly house brand rotors and pads on my son's Jeep.
I have had the best results with real OE pads.
The Toyota "value line" pads have been ok as well - I think they're just reboxed aftermarket Advics pads.....the same ones you find on Rockauto.
Akebono ProACT have been "ok," but usually poor pedal feel (material seems to have poor compressibility) and are sometimes very noisy when cold.
Akebono ASP pads tend to deliver the same performance and pedal feel as OE (sometimes better), but can be noisy.
I have limited experience with the rest since I don't use many other ones except for one-off situations.
The Toyota "value line" pads have been ok as well - I think they're just reboxed aftermarket Advics pads.....the same ones you find on Rockauto.
Akebono ProACT have been "ok," but usually poor pedal feel (material seems to have poor compressibility) and are sometimes very noisy when cold.
Akebono ASP pads tend to deliver the same performance and pedal feel as OE (sometimes better), but can be noisy.
I have limited experience with the rest since I don't use many other ones except for one-off situations.
1. When they were great, they would have a high squeal for the first application of the day, or while backing out of the garage, and then were quiet.
2. Sons 4Runner sounded like a school bus - not squealing but howling. Loudly.
3. Wife’s CRV was squealing front and rear, even after sanding both sides of the rotors to rough them up a little. This has always worked in the past as a last result effort, but not with the latest E3s. They were so bad as to squeal on acceleration for the first 30 yards or so after releasing the brakes.
I guess I’m in the minority with the Element3 pads. I have them on 3 of our vehicles, and so far I’m happy with them. Time will tell I guess?
Thanks, no squeeling with mine, on all four corners. I soft have a soft thump on left hand turns.
This was my exact experience. It was so annoying.
